Drivers Beware: Wednesday before Thanksgiving Is One of the Biggest Drinking Days of the Year

November 23, 2015

Avoiding a drunk driving accident on Black Wednesday

As families across the nation prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, law enforcement authorities are gearing up to heighten their DUI enforcement efforts, as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the single biggest drinking days of the year.

Deemed ‘Black Wednesday,’ this coming Wednesday tends to be booze-filled for many people, as they are home for the holidays, catching up with loved ones and festively kicking off a four-day weekend.

So, if you will be on the roads commuting to your Thanksgiving celebrations this Wednesday, here are some tips for staying safe and avoiding a potentially deadly DUI collision.

5 Tips for Avoiding a DUI Accident

Follow the traffic laws – As simple as it may sound, following basic traffic laws can go a long way to keeping you safe as you commute. So, abide by the speed limit, yield when necessary and don’t run red lights. If you may be driving in more challenging weather conditions (like heavy rains or snow), take it about 5 to 10 mph slower than the posted speed limit to stay safe.

Put down all distractions – As we pointed out earlier this month, distracted driving is incredibly dangerous and can end having the same impacts as drunk driving. So, don’t contribute to risky driving conditions. Put down your phone and anything else that may divert your attention from the road and commit to remain focused on driving until you get to your destination.

Don’t get behind the wheel if you have been drinking – Did you know that, even at BACs as low as 0.02, drivers can start to experience judgment problems? So, even if you have only had a few drinks and you may only feel “buzzed,” don’t drive. Buzzed driving is drunk driving, and getting on the road when you are impaired can exponentially increase your risk of an accident.

Don’t expect other drivers to be sober or cautious – This is a good defensive driving rule to follow because it can help you anticipate when other motorists may run red lights, cut you off or make other reckless driving maneuvers. If you are prepared for these risky behaviors, you will be ready to respond immediately to avoid an accident if or when necessary.

Report reckless drivers to authorities – If you do happen to notice that other motorists on the road appear to be weaving out of lanes or driving recklessly or carelessly in other ways, make a call to the highway patrol or the local police department to report these drivers. Getting drunk or careless motorists off of the road can be the key to saving lives.

The Savage Law Firm wishes you a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Contact a Portland Car Accident Lawyer at the Savage Law Firm

If, despite your best efforts to stay safe, you end up being hit by a drunk driver, you can rely on a Portland car accident lawyer at the Savage Law Firm for experienced help pursuing justice, holding the negligent driver accountable and obtaining the compensation you may deserve.

To learn more about our legal services and what we can do for you, call us at 503-222-0200 (in Portland) or at 206-957-7272 (in Seattle). You can also email us using the form on this page. We represent clients in communities in both Oregon and Washington from our offices in Portland and Seattle.

The Savage Law Firm provides legal advice and representation for personal injury and civil litigation plaintiffs in Portland, Oregon, and communities throughout the western and central part of the state, including Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Gresham, Oregon City, Tigard, Milwaukie, Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Salem,
Corvallis and Eugene.

The firm also provides service in Washington state including Seattle, Tacoma, Renton, Redmond, King County and Bellevue.

Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee results in any particular case. The cases described in this website are only examples.